Education
STEM Learning Module

Modeling Hydrothermal Vents

hydrothermal vents endeavour
Credit
Ocean Exploration Trust/Ocean Networks Canada

Hydrothermal vents appear as giant billowing chimneys of black smoke, with temperatures over 300°C. When this superheated water meets the cold ocean environment, the chemicals dissolved in the hot water instantly precipitates out as a solid. The result is the ever-growing stacks of metals and sulfides - some reaching 60 m tall. In this demonstration, students will build their own hydrothermal vent using two different temperatures of water and items found around classrooms.

Objectives & learning outcomes

Students will see how warm jets of water interact with cold, mimicking the effect of underwater hydrothermal vents.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

Disciplinary Core Ideas

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Grade level

Time & materials

Time & materials
Scale: one of three
Prep time and materials cost minimal, may require printing.

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